Chapter Operations Handbook

Chapter Three

Air Force Base/Unit Relations

 

Chapters Not near an Air Force Base

RECOGNIZING THAT MANY CHAPTERS fall into this category, what about other Air Force Activities, i.e. AFROTC, JROTC, CAP, Recruiting Detachments, etc.? Although not of the same impact as having a base nearby, these activities need your support -- and can be very supportive to you in return. But, if even this expansion of the territory doesn't include your chapter, please read this section anyway -- it has some good ideas.

 

Chapters near an Air Force Base, or Guard or Reserve Unit

Obviously, relationships will fluctuate over time, but a consistent chapter priority must be to establish a mutually supportive interaction with the base. One of the principal thrusts of AFA is to support the Air Force. The reverse, however, that the base is expected to support you, is not necessarily true at all. A chapter earns respect (and follow-on support) from the base -- it is not automatic.

The best way to develop and maintain excellent relations is by asking "how can we help." Find out what the commander needs, what the senior enlisted advisor thinks, etc. -- and then help! Chapters often create problems for themselves by identifying their own perceived needs to "help out" with issues which may be more trouble to the base than they are really worth. By developing a supportive line of communication to the needs of the base, you not only work toward the long range good of the chapter, but also to the Association as a whole.
 

Ideas to Consider

• Ask the commander to select an outstanding officer and senior NCO to sit on your Executive Committee.

- Make the positions meaningful -- listen to inputs carefully and make friends.

- Recognize their contributions with letters/awards.

- In short, make the positions important -- you will get the best people that way.

• Plan, organize and conduct one or more membership campaigns among the people on the base. Support it with:

- A chairman and key workers drawn from chapter members.

- A specific, tailored plan

- Programs

- Brochures and publicity

- (more in section on membership)

• Design Program(s) to support the base:

- Community Awards Program (detailed in chapter on awards).

• Recognize outstanding "blue suit" accomplishment.

- Airman of the Year awards.

- NCO Professional Military Education Awards

- Junior Officer of the Year

- Etc., etc.

• Support of Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen.

- If individual is local, appoint to Executive Committee.

- Invite to Chapter functions.

- Consider structuring program around the individual.

• Work with Air Force Academy/AFROTC Liaison officers.

- Support parent groups

- Support information programs (including USAFA "Grassroots" in November).

- Airman Education and Commissioning Program Financial Assistance.

- Community College of the Air Force Financial Assistance.

- Etc., etc., etc.
 

Active Duty Advisory Council

• Ask local commander to establish a Council composed of representatives from all major units on base and representing a broad cross-section of grade. Don't forget appropriate civilian representation.
• The chairman of the council will most likely be the Vice President for Military Relations on your Executive Committee and the vice chairman should be a senior NCO (also represented on the Executive Committee).
• The Advisory Council should meet quarterly to provide the local chapter inputs as to needs; ideas concerning programming and awards; and suggestions for specific directions.
• The council might be honored periodically at a chapter program.
• The council can be very helpful in supporting local chapter programs (ticket sales, AFA membership drive, etc.).

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